The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN has condemned what he described as the invasion of Benue territory by the Taraba State Government.
Prof. Hon, in a Facebook post on Thursday entitled “Road Construction in Moon, Kwande LGA”, urged the Benue State Government to rise up and put a stop to the action.
According to him, “Going by social media reports, the Taraba State Government has started constructing roads in Moon District of Kwande Local Government Area.
“This is not just an unconscionable trespass into the constitutionally recognised geographical area of Benue State, it also amounts to provocation of the highest order.”
The senior lawyer referenced the 1999 Constitution to back his position: “For the avoidance of any doubt, Part I of the 1st Schedule to the 1999 Constitution lists the Local Government Areas that make up each of the 36 States.
“Item 7 on that part of the Schedule lists Kwande as one of the Local Government Areas constituting Benue State while Item 34 lists the Local Government Areas that make up Taraba State.
“Now, there is no doubt, historically and empirically that Moon falls within Kwande LGA.
“The Taraba State Government, therefore, has no atom of constitutional power to embark on construction of roads in Moon. I smell territorial annexation here.
“I am speaking as Counsel who has been rummaging through historical documents concerned with the borderline between Benue and Taraba States.”
He concluded: “The Benue State Government should immediately rise to the occasion and put a stop to this unconstitutional conduct forthwith.”
Followers of his social media handle have reacted, condemning the Taraba State Government.
Aume Andoor wrote: “This act by the Taraba State Govt speaks volumes about who is sponsoring insecurity in Kwande Local Government.
“It clearly tells us who the perpetrators are, their motives and likely next lines of action.
“The Benue State Commissioner of Works should address the concerns raised here. Leadership irresponsibility at its peak.”
Similarly, Martins Alagh posted: “Semawan! Always sensitive to the yearnings of the people. Highly commendable.”
In the words of Peter Zawua: “Except if we want to concede that part of the state to Taraba State, immediate action is needed.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government had yet to react.
